Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Farmers Market Could Be Moved

As Macomb prepares for the construction phase of its downtown revitalization project, the Farmers’ Market will need a new home.

The market is currently held on the inner square on Thursdays and Saturdays.  But it must be moved while construction is being done, and the new design of the square will make it difficult to hold the market there once the project is finished.

We're going the wrong way. I want it to grow, not recede.

Fifth Ward Alderman Clay Hinderliter would like to see it moved to Chandler Park. He said vendors could line the west, south, and east sides of the park.

“To my way of thinking, a Farmers’ Market at Chandler Park would be the best of all worlds,” Hinderliter said.

A few years ago the city suggested moving the market to the park but vendors rejected the idea. They wanted to close the stretch of Carroll Street next to the park and hold the market on the street.  However, the city nixed that plan.

Hinderliter would like to work with vendors in choosing a new location. He also wants their input on ways to grow the market.

Credit sss
The number of vendors at the Marcomb Farmers' Market has decreased in recent years.

“It’s not the size that it used to be. It doesn’t have as many vendors as there used to be. It doesn’t have the selection it used to have,” said Hinderliter.

“We’re going the wrong way. I want it to grow, not recede.”

The future of the Farmers’ Market was discussed by the city council’s Community Development Committee on Thursday.  Sarah Wallick, Downtown and Community Outreach Coordinator, told the committee she has yet to meet with vendors to discuss this year’s season, which recently wrapped up.

Wallick hoped to get together with them soon and have information to share with the city council next month.

Rich is TSPR's News Director.